Man Abducted conveying seven pigs Along Jos-Manchok Highway

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace  have commenced a search-and-rescue operation following a suspected kidnap incident along the Jos-Manchok highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said troops of Sector 6 OPEP responded to a distress report at about 8:00 a.m. on June 18 regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Manchok-Jos Road within the Bum-Tongorong Hills axis of Ganawuri District.

The area, which lies along the Plateau-Kaduna border corridor, has been identified as one of the routes frequently exploited by criminal elements due to its rugged terrain and dense vegetation.

According to the sources, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and discovered a green Volkswagen Golf vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road.

A preliminary assessment revealed that the vehicle was carrying seven pigs, but no occupants were found at the location.

“The circumstances surrounding the discovery raised suspicion of a possible kidnap incident, prompting troops to immediately initiate a search-and-rescue operation,” a security source disclosed.

The source added that the suspected kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security personnel.

Following the discovery, troops conducted extensive searches across nearby bushes, rocky outcrops and elevated terrains within the Bum-Tongorong Hills in an effort to trace the occupants of the vehicle and establish contact with the suspected abductors.

However, no contact was made during the initial operation.

Sources said troops remained deployed in the area while additional search efforts continued to determine the whereabouts of the missing occupants and ensure their safe recovery.